Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has caused mass displacement, with over six million refugees from Ukraine recorded across Europe, and in particular in neighbouring countries. While local and regional authorities are key actors in migration management as they are at the forefront in receiving and providing services to those displaced, the increased number of refugees in host countries constitutes a challenge for all levels of government.

Within the framework of its multi-lateral project “Strengthening resilience in local and regional authorities facing migration challenges”, the Congress conducted a baseline assessment of the challenges and needs faced by local authorities regarding migration management, as well as integration mechanisms in Poland, the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The three countries’ baseline reports cover the period from May to August 2023.

The reports present key developments in the three countries’ migration policies, assess the impact of the war and describe local authorities’ responsibilities in the current legal and policy context. They also outline key trends and challenges in migration management and integration, and make recommendations to enhance multi-level dialogue and strengthen institutional frameworks for local authorities as leaders of change.  

The reports are available in English, as well as in Romanian and Polish languages:

• Report on Poland – English version and Polish version
• Report on the Republic of Moldova – English version and Romanian version
• Report on Romania – English version and Romanian version

The Centre of Expertise for Good Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities implements the project “Strengthening resilience in local and regional authorities facing migration challenges” in the framework of  the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe, and thanks to the Federal Republic of Germany’s financial contribution.

* The country report on the Republic of Moldova was prepared in co-operation with the project “Reinforcing the culture of dialogue and ethical open local governance in the Republic of Moldova”.